London Metropolitan Police Helicopters in 2014

London Met’s Air Support Unit (ASU) attended 8,182 incidents, assisted in the arrest of 1,686 suspects and located 169 missing people.

London Metropolitan Police, January 02, 2015 - As we enter a new year, the Met’s Air Support Unit (ASU) reflects on a busy and memorable 2014.

Between January and December last year, the team of pilots, engineers, operations officers and observers, attended 8,182 incidents, assisted in the arrest of 1,686 suspects and located 169 missing people.

Inspector Richard Brandon, said: “The ASU have had a busy, and at times an uncertain year, but I am so proud of each and every single member of the team, for their unwavering focus and determination to keep London safe from the sky.

“Our work is very varied and 2014 was certainly that, we were part of the policing operation at the Nato conference in Wales and we gave support during Remembrance Day and the 100th annivery of the First World War.

“We were also extremely privileged to have had the most breathtaking views of the poppies during the major art installation at the Tower Of London.”

The team are also behind the @MPSinthesky Twitter account, which was originally set up to reduce noise complaints. The account continues to grow in popularity and has now established itself as one of the leading police Twitter accounts in the UK.

In October 2014, @MPSinthesky reached 100,000 Twitter followers and by the end of the year, that number had already risen by nearly 7,000, as more people engage with the team about the work they are doing to keep London safe.

The ASU also shared with London more and more of their views of the Capital from their unique vantage point at almost 10,000ft. As well as images of their police work, the team captured a marriage proposal, which had been spelled out on the ground in candles in a Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill in August. They were also responsible for a now iconic image of Canary Wharf taken in thick fog.

Insp Brandon, added: “The ASU carried out even more engagement work in 2014 and we enjoyed meeting the public when we landed one of our helicopters in Regents Park.

I would like to thank the public for their support and patience and we thank all our followers on @MPSinthesky, We’re glad you like what we’re doing and hope that you will continue to engage with us.”